Some might do it for pleasure, and others for the health benefits.
Drinking cold water is refreshing and can help you maintain your core temperature when exercising.
And it does burn a few more calories than drinking water at room temperature.
Edgar Barragan Juarez / Getty Images
There are other possible benefits to drinking cold water and full-bodycold-water exposure, though large-scale controlled studies are lacking.
This article discusses the potential pros and cons of ice-cold water for drinking, bathing, and showering.
Edgar Barragan Juarez / Getty Images
Benefits: Reasons to Drink Cold Water
Dehydrationcan make you hungry.
Your body has to work to raise the temperature of ice water to body temperature.
This process burns calories but not enough to make a significant difference.
Drinking a cup of ice water burns about 8 calories more than drinking a cup of room-temperature water.
However, evidence suggests thatdrinking cold waterduring exercise can help you maintain core temperature longer.
For most people, there’s no downside to drinking ice-cold water.
There appear to be potential benefits to this practice, though most are not scientifically backed.
Cold-water bathing also may reduce inflammation, though it may decrease gains in strength and muscle growth over time.
Some reviews are promising, but more controlled studies are needed.
Other risks includehypothermia, pain, andnerve damage.
A Word From Verywell
When trying cold-water immersion, use extreme caution and ease into it slowly.
Always bring a buddy.
There are significant risks, such as drowning, frostbite, cold shock, and others.
Cold vs.
Hot Water: Is One Better?
Hot drinks may help reduce shivering and improve gross motor performance in cold weather.
Bathing or Therapy
Bathing in warm or hot water may help sore muscles feel better.
Hot baths are safe for most people.
Cold Water Temperature: Whats Ideal?
The temperature should be between 50 and 59 degrees F for cold-water immersion.
Summary
Drinking icy cold water may help you stay hydrated and burn a few extra calories.
It’s also helpful in keeping your core body temperature down while exercising.
Most people can drink ice water with no ill effects.
Icy baths or showers may also have a few health benefits, but research is limited.
Bathing or showering in cold water might improve mood and reduce inflammation.
But there are some risks, such as frostbite and nerve damage.
doi:10.1186/1550-2783-9-44
University of Washington.Mythbusters: Will drinking water help with…?
UCLA Health.6 Cold shower benefits to consider.
The Ohio State University.Do ice baths help workout recovery?
2008;46(4):271-275.
A review of the evidence.Mayo Clinic Proceedings.
2023;98(6):915-926. doi:10.1016/j.mayocp.2023.01.008
Harvard Health Publishing.Hot baths and saunas: Beneficial for your heart?
2011 Dec 1;10(4):718-24.
PMID: 24040477; PMCID: PMC3762624.
2013 Nov;43(11):1101-30. doi:10.1007/s40279-013-0063-8
